Winter Camera Operation and Use (hints too)

[Chip Redmond]

Hey all, I was considering perhaps taking some night photography of the stars and whatnot the next few nights. It is finally going to be clear, and the sky is very prolific right now in the way of brightness, etc.

I had a few questions concerning using my Nikon D80 outside in the cold weather. I know it is not optimal to use the camera in temperatures between 0-5F, but I was wondering if it would hurt it in anyway.

Right now my feeling is this: Shouldn't leave it exposed to that much cold for very long. Also, when I do take it outside, don't just take it from inside to outside (or vice versa) as sudden temperature changes can cause moisture build up or also harm the lens and plastic body.

Finally, I have seen a few pictures posted of ice columns in the cold weather in the past. I was considering giving this a shot as well. Living close to a city that is in the country and isolated, the sky above it could become illuminated just right I would think. Any thoughts on photographing this phenomenon and perhaps other winter sky ideas?

Chip

 

[Dave Rennie]

When I was a photographer in the Air Force and we photographed winter joint exercises with the Army at Fort Wainwright, north of Fairbanks, Alaska, here are two tips I lived by: (1) Keep your camera inside of your coat until actually ready to use it; and (2) Place the camera inside a large zip-lock bag (or other waterproof wrap, or at least a closed camera bag) before going into a warm, humid building (or in our case, field tent). Then give the camera time to warm to room temperature before taking it out.

The logic behind the first tip is to keep the camera batteries warm, especially important these days with batteries powering the entire camera operation (in those days, my camera batteries only powered the meter; everything else was mechanical).

The logic behind the second tip is to protect the camera from the indoor humidity while it warms up to indoor temperature. Unprotected, the cold surfaces of the camera, both interior and exterior, would cause immediate condensation of the moisture on those surfaces. Especially with today's electronic circuitry, lens focusing motors, etc., that can't be good for the camera, especially if it is brought inside unprotected and turned on!

Hope this helps.

 

[Chip Redmond]

Thanks Dave! The bag idea is definitely something I hadn't considered. My plan was to let the camera get cold over a long period of time by slowly exposing it to the air. I was thinking about warming the car and then placing the camera in it and then cut the heat allowing it to slowly cool off to the temperature outside. I would then go and take pictures. When I was done, on the drive back, I would gradually turn heat back on until it is pretty warm by the time I got home and then take it in.

I never considered battery life, but it will die quickly with the low temperatures. I will probably take my converter and charger just in case.


Going out tonight to shoot some skylines with snow and perhaps some factories.



Chip

 

[Chad Cowan]

Here are a few tips on shooting in the cold from National Geographic (source link):


-When shooting in below-freezing weather, it is critical to have a fully charged set of batteries, since the cold temperatures can quickly drain them. Should your battery discharge too early, you can extend its life by placing it in a warm pocket, close to your body, to warm it up. Remember to always bring along two batteries: one for the camera and another to be kept charging in your cabin or room.

-When shooting in cold weather, or extreme conditions such as snow and sleet, it's important not to change your lenses outdoors. You never want to get moisture or condensation inside the camera body.

Be careful bringing your camera inside a warm house or cabin from the cold outdoors. Put your cameras and lenses into a plastic bag and seal them up before you bring them indoors. Once inside, place them in the coldest area you can find so they slowly warm up to the new temperature.

-We always travel and shoot with rain covers (after all, snow is wet) to prevent the bodies and lenses from getting damp. Even the pro cameras, which are sturdier, need protection. Some systems even have an O ring on the lens to keep moisture from getting into the camera body.

-We always try to bring along liners and fingerless gloves when we shoot in cold weather. Set up a system that works for you, one that allows you to shoot with your fingers and stay warm in between shots. You want to be sure you always have access to your camera controls and dials.

-It's always wise to have a good chamois lens cleaner with you. Who knows when you might want to clean your filter or front element that has become moist from going in and out of cold temperatures.

-Know where your CF (CompactFlash) and SD (Secure Digital) cards are stored. We suggest buying a weatherproof container to store them in. The last thing you want to do is lose or drop your valuable photos in the snow. It also protects the wilderness from photo debris.

 

[Johnathan Brouwer]

When its this out, all the bagging and gentle cooling and warming in the world will not stop moisture from forming on lens and viewfinder

Put it in your trunk in a cooler, will allow a lower ratio of temperature extremes, then when you return, do the same... and bring the entire thing inside.